zackdebruyne

[zackdebruyne]

Friends are Like Jesus

The past 6 months of Malorie and I’s life have been a ride. An emotional, overwhelming, goodness-filled ride. A ride, much like myself on a roller-coaster (which I hate with a nausea-fueled passion), which always begins in tears. There is a myriad of reasons why, but one of the most prominent was leaving a place that we loved, teeming with people that we love. 

Moving away from Grand Rapids. It hurt, it still does. Because it was filled with people who knew us, our hearts, our quirks, and our quandaries. Friends from all stages of life, ages, and persuasions. Friends that we would no longer refer to as friends, but family. The sort of friends that you tell your kids to call ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’ even though they have no familial relation. Christ-centered, bear-your-soul on a Tuesday night over a craft beer, kind of friends. 

So leaving these friends was hard. Real hard. And it wasn’t only because we got along well, or had similar interests; nor was it because we were Canadian and they wanted ‘exotic international friends’; though that was clearly stated on a number of occasions. Instead, it was hard because our faith had grown substantially with those friends by our side. Our understanding of who we are as a couple. Who God has created and gifted us to be and of our confident understanding in His unwavering grace happened alongside these brothers and sisters. Difficult moments, marked by hard compassion-filled living room conversations. Joy-filled celebrations marked by clinking glasses and embarrassing public toasts and obnoxious public cheering. 

These ‘friends’ were more then just people we got along with. They were more than individuals and couples at the same life stage as us. They were more than just people whose paths crossed with ours because we both enjoyed a game of Catan, dangerously hoppy beer, make-shift charcuterie boards, tent-camping in a sea of RVs, late-night basement dart games, the smell of boat petrol on a quiet lake, or seemingly endless Michigan sunsets. These people are our family. These people are the family of Christ to us. In fact, realistically, these dear friends have been the hands, feet, and voices of Christ in our lives. 

Jesus in Matthew 25 is dropping a bunch of hard-hitting parables. And among these, is the parables on the sheep and goats. In this parable, Jesus is talks about the ‘King’s’ (mos def Jesus) second glorious coming. And when Jesus comes again, he will separate out those who are His truthful, righteous followers. We see in v. 40, that the King responds to those righteous people who fed him, clothed him, welcomed him in, cared for him in his sickness, and visited him in jail. He responds with these prodding words, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Our main man (100% man + 100% God - you can ask me about that later) Jesus is saying to these righteous people, and to us today, that whatever you do for those in need - for the least of His people, you do unto Him. 

I think that this transfers to us today, in the same context. What we do for the down and out, the dispelled and despaired, is an act of love in Jesus name unto Jesus Himself. But I also think that we act both Christ-like and unto Christ Jesus when we care for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

For, I truly believe, that their actions of welcome, of love, of generosity, of  friendship follows this very same course that we see in v. 40. In fact, the deep relationships that we’ve founded on Christ (and all of the free, thoughtful food provided for me on a dangerous amount of occasions without ever asking for anything in return) brings our Father in Heaven joy. As we act in love and generosity to others made in His image, friends or otherwise, we are acting unto Christ. 

Now this where my click-bait title comes in. Friends are like Jesus to me. I think to all of us. We need the body of Christ around us, challenging us, praying for and with us, listening to us, and seeing that we are fed in order to live our lives of faith to their fullness. For it is out of these friendships that we fueled, re-fueled, and over-fueled to live lives of other-focused Christ-centered love, justice, empathy, and compassion.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t need my friends in order to know who Jesus is. My salvation is found on nothing less, than Jesus Christ and His righteousness. But these dear friends, in their countless simple and thoughtful actions and words have pointed me back to Jesus time and time again. When we are moved to gratitude, we are moved to the ultimate gracious provider. Not Santa. Our Heavenly Father. And as we deepen our relationships with our friends,  as we enter into new emotional, spiritual, and relational spaces together. Conversations begin around stupid questions that we feel like we should know, but are too embarrassed to ask anyone else. Sharing of genuine hurts and pains, doubts and confusions. Over dining room tables and living room couches, genuine conversation can take centre stage. 

Christ-like friendships provide both a shoulder to cry on, and a gentle push to the cross. Both a community that brings joy and laughter, and a family of people who know the ultimate hope and joy that we must all rely. 

Friends, go meet some people in your church. Really get into that small group that you sort of go to, but every Small Group night you feel that there is a 50% chance that Netflix is calling out to you louder. These people might just be the community that you so desperately need. 

Also, tell your friends that you love them. Open up with those friends that you’ve known forever, but never seem to actually talk about anything with. Invest in them, and see what God does. See Christ in their eyes, in their hands, in their laughter. Experience Christ through their generosity, their listening ears. Feel Christ in their embrace. 

So, to all of my friends, near and far. Thank you for all you have done for us. I love you dearly. I desperately hope that you’ve seen Christ in me, as I have clearly seen in you. 

[zackdebruyne]

The World Cup & the Kingdom of God

Three things the soccer pitch can teach the church.

Soccer has always been a constant in my life. Because I grew up in Canada, I may be a disappointment to those Canadian parents who spend many of their weekends bundled up in an arena, a double-double from Tim Hortons running through their veins. Don’t get me wrong, hockey is a beautiful game, but soccer is the beautiful game.

I have spent many hours on makeshift soccer fields around the world. No matter where I go, the game and its beauty remain the same – on a grass-pitch in Canada, a sandy lot in Ensenada, Mexico, a dusty alleyway near Cartagena, Columbia, a red-sand park in the Outback of Australia, or even a farmer’s field on the tiny island of Ovalau, Fiji. Soccer gives me the ability to immediately converse and interact with anyone, not with the words of my lips, but with the focused thumping of a ball from foot to foot.

Whether you believe that soccer originated in England in 1853, in Japan during the16th century Tsu’Chu dynasty or with the Greeks nearly eight centuries ago, futbol is steeped with tradition and history. It goes beyond cultural barriers. I believe that soccer is a transcendental language spoken by a world-wide community of fans and players. It’s a conversation in which no words need to be spoken. An exchange where neither party needs to prove themselves through impressive rhetoric, where even exchanging one’s name and vocation are not required. If you can participate in this pattering of feet against the ball, you’re unconditionally included.

It isn’t about who you are, it is about what you can contribute to the game.

As I write, the World Cup is underway. One month every four years, individuals from nearly every tongue, tribe and nation participate in this conversation. Talented players compete on the perfectly trimmed fields, while dedicated fans fill “temple-like” stadiums to “worship” their teams. This worship is manifested in the incessant cheers in every tongue, thousands of painted faces that mark colours of each tribe, and child-like joy and dancing in front of rigid plastic seats.

Soccer is marked not only by its beautiful diversity but also by its ecclesiastical unity and effortless inclusivity. Thus I think there are three things that the Church can and should learn from the World Cup if we are going to become a more Christ-centered body that seeks justice and welcomes everyone.

Places of Connection

First, the World Cup celebrates a true team sport. Whether you are a player who has already scored 40+ goals or one whose name has never been read by the commentators on national television, you are as important to the tournament and to your nation as the Ronaldos and Messis that share that same perfectly manicured green grass. Christ never identified people on the basis of their vocation; he never judged them by their past, nor did he lean into the stereotypes and negative treatment that society would expect. Jesus always offered his olive branch of unconditional love, seeing each individual – regardless of their infirmity or social status – as an important contributing part of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12). The Church must continue to lavishly encourage and empower all people, regardless of their spiritual maturity, to seek Jesus Christ through participation in his body.

Second, the World Cup teaches us about interacting and relating with those who are different from us. Too often church can become an insular group of believers, doing the same comfortable things they’ve always done. This is not inherently bad. However, we often miss out on the riches that can result from unlikely relationships. For it is when we brush shoulders or pass the ball around with those who are very different than us that we will start to become the multi-faceted Kingdom community God has called us to be. How can we continue to meet behind the closed doors of our churches and talk about how to interact with the LGBTQ+ communities, if we haven’t befriended and loved them first hand? How can we continue to learn how to best serve and include the growing Muslim populations in North America and beyond, if we do not first walk with individuals whose lived experience is drastically outside of our own?

I believe that the World Cup challenges these phobias and human-made walls. In soccer, stereotypes, religious differences and sexual orientation are not important. As a church, we often wonder how to live and love brothers and sisters from all walks of life. That’s a lot easier to figure out once we get on the field alongside them.

The Beautiful Church

Third, the World Cup is a glimpse into the “already, but not yet” Kingdom of God. Revelations 7:9 describes great multitudes waving celebratory flags, and cheers marked by joyful dancing. It’s an image much like the World Cup stadiums, where multitudes of fans from every nation, tribe, people and language all come together in one place.

The Church is called to be a glimpse of a very similar promised eschatological gathering of believers standing before the throne of God. We too come before the throne, together. 

Friends, this is why soccer is the beautiful game. It gives people the opportunity to participate in something bigger than themselves. It gives players the gift of contributing to a team, of finding meaning in their God-given capacity, and in conversing in a way that words cannot do. Today’s Church has a very similar, and I believe convicting, calling. I pray that we too might become a beautiful church, not marked by disunity and political quarrels, but by an unconditional inclusivity that empowers all players in both their gifting and identity as beloved children of God so that our churches can be filled with every tongue, tribe and nation worshipping at the Throne of the Lamb.

[zackdebruyne]

7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Seminary

Well, I am a year finished my second year at Seminary. By all standards, I am still a rookie in the whole world of theological education. But, for those of you who are thinking about entering into seminary, or if you know someone who is, today I am going to shed what little light I now have on my experience at Calvin Seminary.

The following are 7 things that I wish someone had told me before I entered seminary.

1. Busy-ness Does Not Equal Godliness

This is a huge one for me personally, something that I desperately wish someone had reminded me of before I walked into the front doors of Calvin Seminary that late August morning. Maybe not everyone struggles with the desire to be busy, to keep their hands full at all times, or to be continually challenged. But I do. With this desire in mind, upon my arrival, I signed up for everything under the sun. From the chapel planning team, to 3 extra credits per semester, to a job on campus, to an internship off campus, I had this idea in my mind that I needed to go above and beyond. I’m a man of God now, I thought to myself, which must mean that I need to do more than what is expected of me.

The main issue here, swathed in countless other issues, was that I equated my business with godliness. As if I was being righteous by taking on too much, as if placing myself at the mercy of my seemingly endless extra-curricular activities was a fulfillment of my calling. As if making myself so endlessly busy was holy as it would require me to rest and find strength in Jesus. Man, was I ever wrong. Instead of this business pointing me toward an undeniable reliance on the cross, it pulled me away from Christ, it exhausted me mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Busy-ness does not equal godliness.

2. Your Grade Does Not Effect Your Calling

This is a big one, friends. It continues to be an ongoing struggle for me as I pursue my seminary education. Coming to seminary soon after my undergraduate degree, I still equated education with evaluation. Grades tell you how you are doing. Seminary is a whole different ballgame. Yes, grades are important. Making sure that you are doing your best, putting the effort in that is necessary is crucial to your development. But not getting straight A’s is not God’s providential way of telling you that you are not fit to serve his people.

The other danger of grade-mongering is that I would entirely lose sight of the personal and spiritual character development that could have been taking place. But, because of my continual pursuit of academic success, I lost sight of how the Spirit of God was working in my heart through my readings of the early Church Fathers, or my learning of the Greek language.

God doesn’t care about your transcript; he cares about your heart.

3. Don’t Let the Biblical Languages Taint You

Yes, I realize that this sounds a bit harsh. Yes, I do know that some people have a passion and love for the ancient languages of the Bible. But, I can confidently say that this is not a universally experienced truth.

The reason why I find it necessary to say this is that you will inevitably spend copious amounts of time pouring over cue cards, learning Greek or Hebrew grammar, and occasionally questioning your decision to attend seminary. Do not let this distract or dismay you. It is difficult, but it is doable. In fact, if you use these hours learning the language as a devotion, as a desire to know God and his Word better, rather than to get that letter on your transcript, I believe it can be a spiritually enriching, character building pursuit.

Approach the languages as an opportunity to hear and know the Father better.

4. Being a Student Is Your Ministry

I wish I heard this one a year in advanced, because it is easy to approach seminary like any other educational experience. The pressing problem is, it isn’t. Seminary is not only intellectually engaging, but challenges your whole being.

Your mind is challenged, your heart is engaged, your faith is put into perspective, your character is tried, and your soul is fully present. With this is mind, seminary is not just another degree to add to that list of letters on a business card. Seminary is not just a pursuit of a title. Your time spent in study, in conversation, in community, in the Word, are all part of your ministry both now and in the years to come. For, it is a setting up of a foundation. It is check of your spiritual vitals. It is a time to grow, be challenged, and prepare for the years of ministry that are to come.

Being a student is your ministry, treat you studies like it.

5. Building Community is More Important than Building Your Library

It is a generally accepted truth that books are the guilty pleasure of the seminarian. Bookshelves are the main furniture you’ll find in the home of a seminarian. I wouldn’t be surprised is students put off groceries to afford placing another leather-bound tome into their ever-expanding collection of big, dusty, hard-to-read books.

Yes, I am kidding, but only in part. I know that when I see a box of free books, I feel sort of like a kid approaching a box full of kittens, some of which I get to take home. I also know this is true, because with each free book I attain, I think about how many more I can get away with before my wife makes a comment.

But seriously, it is not about the books. Seminary, and I believe ministry, is about the people. We don’t often read in the Word that Jesus went to the synagogue and filled his library. Nor that his carpentry skills were primarily used to assemble double-depth, cherry-wood shelves to adorn his home. Instead, we hear and see his continual engagement with people from all walks of life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Jesus sought to build community everywhere that he went. This too, I believe, should be one of our primary goals as we enter into both seminary and the ministry.

Focus on building community over building your library.

6. It Isn’t a Walk in the Park, But You Should Take One 

Seminary is a whirlwind of great experience. It is filled with learning, meeting new people, engaging in great dialogue, and participating in a body of believers who are all seeking to know God better. It’s a pretty incredible place. That being said, it is easy to spend all of your time there. More than that, it is easy to spend all of your time doing seminary-related things.

I’m not saying that taking your education seriously is bad, I am just saying that it is good to take a break. It is good to take a Sabbath, to take time off to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. To put your headphones in and go for walk. I know that it is surprising, but your homework will still be there when you get back! Finding time to do things that you love, that have nothing to do with your seminary experience is necessary. It is necessary for your own well-being, for your experience of God in and through the good things of this world, and just for a sense of life outside the walls of the seminary.

Seminary is not a walk in a park, but you you should take one once in a while.

7. It Requires Sacrifice, But it’s Worth It

Coming to seminary has been and will continue to be a journey. Maybe this is a second career pursuit for you, and you’ve quit your job to pursue theological education. Maybe you are married. Maybe you’re married and have a family. Maybe you’ve turned down other, more financially lucrative opportunities to be here. There are countless other “maybes,” but the truth is, everyone here has sacrificed something, and the reality is that this is hard. It can be hard on families who have uprooted, individuals who don’t succeed as immediately as they hoped, and international students who need to adjust to a completely different world.

All in all, the sacrifices that are made shape and form us. They put each class into perspective. They create a lense through which we experience the classroom. These sacrifices, although difficult, are a beautiful thing for they lead us to a deeper, more heartfelt reliance on Jesus Christ. These financial, material, geographical sacrifices may seem ludicrous to the outside world, but to us here at seminary, they spur us on to know God better, to read his Word more clearly, and love one another unconditionally.

Seminary requires sacrifice, but it is worth it.

[zackdebruyne]

When God Ruins Your Expectations with His Perfect Plan

This month I finished off my second year at Calvin Seminary. My Hebrew workbook is tattered and filled with hours of dedication (somewhat unwillingly, and definitely painstakingly), final papers have been submitted dangerously close to the deadline, and the dreaded blue exam books filled to capacity in an attempt to write down everything I’ve learned throughout this year. Now, as I enter into my final year, I do so with giddy anticipation. I anticipate not only the intellectual stimulation of the capstone courses, but the new ways that God’s Spirit will shape and reshape my calling. I know this might sound a bit controversial but stick with me.

When I began at Calvin Seminary, I did not enter the MDiv program as an act of obedience in response to the audible call of God amidst sleepless nights. If anything, I had sleepless nights thinking about my call to ministry, and my desire not to attend Calvin. My perspective on Calvin Seminary was that it was outdated, over-educated, and culturally irrelevant (I was a bit oblivious and indefinitely naive). Over the course of a few years, one of them working in a church plant, God slowly and gracefully convicted and called me to the place I said I would never go — Grand Rapids, Michigan.

With this picture of me in mind — a bitter, definitely not submitted, somewhat prideful pastor-in-training — we come to my beginnings at Calvin. As a new student, my intention was to learn all I could about the Christian Reformed Church, so that I might plant a church that looks nothing like the Christian Reformed Church (remember my motivated separation from the CRC).

With this picture of me in mind — a bitter, definitely not submitted, somewhat prideful pastor-in-training — we come to my beginnings at Calvin.

I desired to see the CRC grow, but not through tradition, pews, or hymns — but through something radically different. A coffee shop church, a grass-roots small house church movement, I even considered a brewery church (let’s be honest with ourselves, there could be no better business card than that of "Zack DeBruyne — Brewmaster Pastor”). I thought that it was time for the old dry expression of the Christian Reformed Church to be shipped off, and the fresh and new to be brought in. I desired for the church to be ‘culturally-relevant’ and cool. The kind of place that people with ironic tattoos, horn-rimmed glasses, and skinny jeans that you aren’t sure are appropriate actually want to frequent.

But, as I began my education at Calvin Seminary, I discovered that I could not have been more wrong and my staunch desire to run in the other direction took a hit — a hard one. This is not to say that I no longer want to create a space where people with a regrettable tattoo of their ex-girlfriend desire to come to, nor that I believe tradition is the only way forward for the Christian Reformed Church; rather, that the Gospel gives us far-reaching, culturally transcendent, Spirit led truth and power that can and does reach all people.

Let’s look at the example of Jesus. I know the classic move. Jesus, during his short three years of ministry (most of which he spent in Capernaum, a city on the North East side of the Sea of Galilee) sets the perfect example of what it looks like to lead a culturally relevant, radically inclusive faith. Jesus, I believe, was the first radical, outside-of-the-box pastor. He did things seriously differently than the traditions of his day. Yet, he did not throw them away entirely. He did not run in the other direction, as I so desired. Instead, he incorporated the scriptural truths of an insular, somewhat distorted religion, and he infused them with the everlasting truth of the Gospel. Yes, he challenged the institution, but he did not come to abolish even an iota from the law (and if you’re wondering, yes I now know what an iota is; Greek pays off again). Instead he came to fulfill the law, to challenge the religious norm, to love and empower all people to live and serve God.

Jesus, I believe, was the first radical, outside-of-the-box pastor.

Herein lies what I have learned deep in my mind and felt God stirring in my soul. Calvin Seminary is not a place for me to become indoctrinated in order to recreate a traditional Christian Reformed Church that understands church only as a gathering on a Sunday morning within the four walls of a church building. Instead, the Seminary has taught me both of the importance of the incarnational truth of the Gospel to all people, while explaining depths of the historical beauty and covenantal promise of the traditions that they hold near and dear. Yes, at times we may lean heavily on them as a crutch. Yes, we may practice them week in and week out without truly engaging and explaining the beauty and truth of the ebbs and flows of our liturgy, or explaining to the congregation why we desperately need the blessing and doxology. It is these practices that are steeped not only in the history of the church, but are shaped and inspired by God’s Word to His covenantal people in Scripture.

For it is when we participate in infant Baptism that we are brought to be reminded of God’s own promise, not only to the child, but of our own covenantal identity in Christ as baptized believers. When we partake in the communal table of the Lord’s Supper, we come together and participate in the tangible grace of God through Jesus Christ. We are reconciled before God, and with one another. It is when we respond to the Call to Worship that we acknowledge that it is the Holy Spirit that brings us and perfects our worship, and that God has the first word. These are just a few examples of the seemingly endless Biblical truths that teem from our tradition and should inspire our congregations to live and love their neighbours, colleagues, and enemies more deeply. These are radical counter-cultural things!

I don’t need to be a Brewmaster Pastor in order to drum-up some controversial grass-roots community of believers doing something radically cool. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, if I am affiliated with the love and ministry of Jesus, I’m already radical. I’m already given freedom to think outside of the box, and pursue my creative gifts. I already have the wealth of theological, historical, and even financial resources through the Christian Reformed Church and beyond.

So even though my time at Calvin Seminary has shaped up differently than I first thought, I am grateful. For I have been shaped and empowered in my own personal faith life by my classes, my community, and the tradition of my denomination time and time again. Moreover, my capacity as a leader and my personal spiritual gifts have become better realized, and this has empowered me to be an active part in the radical Kingdom work that is happening already. It’s not about me. It’s not about how many holes are in my jeans, or whether or not I have an obscure Hebrew tattoo on my wrist. It is about the ongoing radical redeeming work of God in all of His creation. He is already doing it by His Spirit, I’m just here to use my gifts as best as I can and join in His work, fake spacers and all.

[zackdebruyne]

The Beginning of the Journey

In Caesarea Maritima, a coastal city set up by Herod to mirror the Greek cities that lay across the Mediterranean.

Well, it has been almost two weeks now and Malorie and I have had a lot of time to process the wealth of experiences that we had travelling together through the Holy Land. 

In the following weeks, I will be posting a series of shorter reflections on a key eye-opening experiences, or challenging moments of faith from the trip. This way, I won’t overburden you with a seemingly endless train of conscious thought in one post. 

Before we set out, we were keenly aware of the fact that this may very well be the only time we get to attend one of these trips together. We were also aware of how fortunate we were to have such an incredible opportunity to grow in our faith and Biblical literacy together. It is an experience that we will always cherish close to our hearts.

We began our journey in and around Galilee, travelling from Caesarea Maritima to Nazareth, and settling on the South side of the Sea of Galilee. Seeing the very places where Paul sailed off from as he set out to spread the Gospel (Caesarea), and spending an afternoon in the city of Nazareth where Jesus grew up was a surreal experience. You not only get a glimpse into the very sites that Jesus would have taken in, but an overwhelming understanding of the very personhood of Jesus comes alive. 

A Second Thought: One interesting piece of learning that we gained during our time in Nazareth was in regards to Jesus’ work as a Carpenter. During a specific tour, one of our guides pointed out the fact that Nazareth, and in fact all of Israel, is not a forest covered country. Trees that were large enough to use for support beams or frames of homes were nearly impossible to come by. Therefore, Jesus’ job as a Carpenter was most likely not marked by daily wood-working, and framing. He was more likely a Builder -- building homes out of bricks and mud. Not only does this give us a glimpse into the physicality of Jesus’ fitness, but about Jesus’ hard physical labour during his time on Earth! 

I often find it easy to understand God as a revered Father in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit a gift given to each believer that leads and guides us, but I find that grasping Jesus’ humanity to be a bit of a difficult task at times. I entirely believe in the incarnation and the endless grace of God represented in the gift of His Son, but being in the Holy Land you also are forced to recognize that Jesus just did everyday human things. He did not always glow with a Heavenly light. He was not always healing everyone who he touched or who touched his cloak. As Philippians 2:6-7 says:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

This was one of the biggest takeaways that I experienced on this trip. I was faced with the humanity and humility of Jesus Christ. The very Son of God became man, and lived a very human life, in a less than extravagant place - Nazareth. The Spirit made Jesus both more relatable to me, while also moving me to a deeper worship of the perfect Son of God. 

I look forward to sharing our thoughts and impressions in the following weeks!

[zackdebruyne]

The Judean Wilderness.

[zackdebruyne]

The Bedoin Lookout.

[zackdebruyne]

Masada, Israel. Right before our trek out to the peak. 

[zackdebruyne]

Listening in Stillness

Due to the generosity of Home Missions of the Christian Reformed Church, a group of Calvin Seminary students had the opportunity attend the Missio-Alliance Conference recently in Washington, D.C.

I was one of those students.

As we boarded the airplane, there was plenty of uncertainty to go around. We were unaware what to expect from this conference, from the speakers, and from the town of Alexandria, Virginia, where the majority of the learning would occur.

But as we landed in Washington D.C., those uncertainties shifted, and evoked an air of excitement. Excitement to see the monuments and museums, an excitement to interact with and learn from over 1000 other ministry leaders, pastors, and church planters at the ecumenical conference. But, most of all, excitement to see what the Spirit of God was going to convict us of, challenge us with, and put on our hearts as we attended the plenary addresses, workshops, and community meals.

We were not disappointed.

From N.T. Wright, to local Gospel choirs, to Latina theologian Ruth Padilla-Deborst, we listened to and learn from leading theologians, scholars, and pastors on the topic of the Holy Spirit. It was an incredible opportunity to discern not only where the Spirit was leading our particular denominations, but very personally, where the Spirit was leading each individual in the future of their ministries.

It was an opportunity for denominational ties and theological differences to take a back seat, allowing for the Holy Spirit took the lead. As we worshipped, prayed, and learned communally—it gave us as individuals the opportunity to learn from other Pentecostal, Methodist, United, Reformed, Catholic, and non-denominational leaders just to name a few.

As we got together, participated in various sessions and groups seeking to shed-light on some of the following questions:

How does your community discern the Spirit? How does your community hear the Spirit? What does Spirit-led discipleship, community building, and prayer look like in our various denominational and cultural contexts?

In one particularly powerful experience, I found myself at a session entitled “The Holy Spirit and Healing Prayer.” Coming from a primarily CRC background, with some experience with the Pentecostal Church and missions overseas, I was looking forward to what insight the various other leaders may have into this topic. As I entered into the stuffy, third floor Sunday school room, in the 19th century Baptist Church, questions, experiences, and expectations fluttered in and out of my mind.

Does healing even happen? Are we going to be laying hands on one another? Will people be praying in tongues?

All of my previous experiences, both positive and negative, flooded my heart and mind as I sat quietly, awaiting the beginning of the session. As the leaders sat down and introduced themselves, they told us that we will be doing “Emmanuel Prayer,” something that I had never heard of in all my time spent with healing ministries. As they continued, they informed us that this was a personal, silent, reflective prayer—an opportunity to listen to the Spirit, an opportunity to remember times when Jesus has been close to you, and to ask the Spirit to move in an heal our wounds.

In some ways, I felt a bit ripped off. What, no laying of hands? No words of wisdom? No physical manifestations of the power of God? What kind of healing prayer is this?

Somewhat reluctantly, I received their request to silence my heart, my mind, and sit in that stillness. It was as I sat in that still, silent, stale place that I felt the presence of God in a way that I had never before. It was in the silence that I was reminded of His continual, never-ending company through every moment of my life—the days of darkness and the days of overwhelming joy. As the tears flowed down my face, something became evidently clear as never before.

We do not need conferences (though they are incredible), moving sermons, or emotionally charged worship to ‘enter into’ the presence of the Holy Spirit. As one speaker stated, ‘We cannot jump in and out of the presence of God’. God is with us always. The Spirit dwells within each of our hearts. Instead of deeper more complex theology, instead of louder more dynamic worship, and instead of more moving emotional preaching we need to be still. We need to make space for silence, for God does not only speak in the wind or the earthquakes, but in the whispers.

This conference moved me intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Better yet, the Spirit moved in me at this conference. Not because I attended, but because I took time to listen, to discern, and to be open to the various voices, ideas, and people that filled the seats of every address, session, and meal.

[zackdebruyne]

The Life of A Church Plant Intern: A Summary of the Past Year at Resurrection

Resurrections Symbol - The rooster has been extensively used in the history of Christianity. It first symbolized the denial by Peter of Jesus during Jesus' trial and execution. It reminded early Christians of the sin and weakness that inhabits all of us.

Disclaimer: Before you read this, I am sincerely apologetic for the title. I wanted to think of something flashy or dramatic, but I used up every ounce of dramatic flash in the following post. So, let’s all look past it, and move on to the rest of the blog. Enjoy! 

It was with an initial sense of crippling anxiety that I accepted an internship position at Resurrection, a Church Plant in Downtown Ottawa. What did I really know about Worship Leader or Directing for that matter? Heck, I could barely play my guitar in the first place. How was I going to start and participate in a Youth Group for the Church? Especially when I avoided Youth Group like the plague when I was in high school. And on top of all of these doubts – how was I supposed to do all of this at a Church I’ve only attended once, in a city I’ve only been to twice, in a denomination that I was not an active member in? I guess you could say I had a few doubts, just a few.

With all of these doubts crammed into the back of my head like my family in the backseat of our old Mazda Protége, we made the big move. Obviously, I jumped right into these roles the first Sunday we were around by leading Worship. If I were lying and wanted to impress you with my God-given voice and musical talent, I’d tell you that it went incredibly. But, to be brutally honest, I scraped by. I practiced for hours that next week, determined to master worship-leading in a week (which, to be brutally honest once again, if I dedicate enough time and effort to something, I can usually get a decent handle on it within a few days). Unfortunately for me, there was more to this whole ‘worship’ thing than I could have ever imagined. In fact, it didn’t get better, it got worse. It got much worse. Until one dreary Sunday I forgot everything, and not because of my countless head injuries. I forgot the tune of the song, I forgot the chords, I forgot how to even start the song in the first place. It was after that service, with tears coming down my face, as I hid behind the curtain that was our stage, that I had decided that I really wasn’t cut out for any of this. Maybe I had just followed this ‘call’ as I considered it, because it was something to do while my wife Malorie studied her Masters program. Maybe I just jumped into something because it was right in front of me and seemed to stupidly obvious to avoid. Needless to say, I was embarrassed, confused, and about ready to quit. Not to mention, initially the Youth Group wasn’t exactly thriving. The time I put into making plans and studies seemed to be useless when only one student showed up on a number of Sunday afternoons.

Luckily for me, God always has a plan. It’s usually a round-about one. A plan that seemingly takes us down the most winding, confusing path to get us to our destination. Sometimes, I believe, that’s because God needs to teach us a thing or two before we reach the destination – there is some refining that needs to take place within our hearts. Other times, I believe it is because the destination we had in mind was nowhere near where God intended on bringing us in the first place. All in all, He knows what He’s doing. I am reminded of the Israelites 40 years wondering in the desert – really not all that far from their destination either. I know, the circumstances were much different, but the message that I am trying to get across is the same. God uses our time in the desert, our time lost and confused, our time upset and suffering, and uses every second of it to bring us to Him, and Him glory.

Sorry for getting preachy, but it’s just too good to look past. The moral is God knows. He knows what He is doing, He knows that I maybe did truthfully get myself a bit too deep over my head. But He also knew that I was capable, in and through Him, to succeed and bring Him glory. (Let’s keep in mind, I have only come to these revelations post-confusion about my work at Resurrection, not amidst my seeming disappointment – it’s crucial for this story).

So, there I was, confused, upset, and just ready to throw the towel in – all of this two months into the internship. But, it was amidst that shame that I came to understand my need to truly lean on God as I pursue His will in this experience. I needed to quit seeing this as an end goal, God didn’t want me to be Matt Redman, that was and is not His intention (I’m pretty sure). He wanted me to take a challenge, to grow in my ministerial ability and knowledge, my musical gifting, and finally my organizational and communicative skill when it came to Youth and Worship practices. He didn’t and doesn’t care that I don’t have the voice reflective of a chorus of angels, He cares that I love Him, give Him my absolute best, and bring others into His presence on a Sunday morning. All of this to say, I had a newfound passion and excitement for my work at Resurrection. God took the valley and turned it into the beginnings of a mountain.

It was with my new vigour and excitement that I started off the following month of Worship and Youth Group. I spent more time in prayer and preparation for Worship and Youth. I prayed earnestly that God would bring more members to the Church and consequently more music-team volunteers and youth. I asked that He would take away my pride and humble me before His Spirit (It is all Him in the end anyway right? Why should I try to take any credit in the first place!). And it was from this moment, believe or not, that things changed. Not only in my heart, but tangible changes in the numbers of participants in both Youth Group and helping me with Worship on a Sunday morning.

Out of what seemed to be the thin air between each seat in the Church auditorium, incredibly talented musicians began to volunteer – and by volunteer I mean teach me how to do my job – is anything more humbling? Teams began to form, and worship began to become a holistic, God fearing, and beautiful process that began on a week night with our practice and came to it’s crescendo (if I can be so bold) on the following Sunday morning. My prideful idea of worship shifted from the belief that Sunday morning was performance with each Church member as my audience member, to a beautiful new reality that I am just a minimal part in the ushering of God’s people into His glorious presence. Sunday morning Worship is so much more than the music, so much more than the key it is sung in, the instruments or lack thereof and even the songs that are sung. Yes, these things do have an effect on the distracted mind of fallen man, but in God’s eyes, each voice, each word, each moment of effectual musical surrender is received with joy.

In fact, we aren’t the only ones in praise. In one of my wife’s favourite verses, Zephaniah 3:17, it states that, “[God]… will rejoice over you with singing.” Our glorious, omnipotent, omniscient Father is singing up there. I wonder how good of a singer He is? Who is his default artist? Does He only sing songs of Christian praise and worship? Does He also believe that Hillsong Young and Free is nothing but modern day pop music? Does He believe that certain songs or ways of worship are not to take place in a Church sanctuary?

God – the Creator of Heaven and Earth, sings over you! So why on Earth would He be disappointed in me when I forget the tune, or the chords? He would be upset because I am trying to preform for man, rather than bring Him my praise and love – that is what He would be upset about, not my vocal abilities.

I’ve learned so much about myself, my heart, and my knowledge of the Character Nature of God. I’ve learned how to lead Worship with God in mind, rather than myself. I’ve learned how to play guitar, how to lead other team members in God’s presence, and how to organize a Sunday morning. I’ve learned that God is a God who loves it when we mean the words we sing, regardless of our voices or the slump we find ourselves in. He loves to hear you praising His name.

Secondly, Youth Group. Let’s revisit my previously disappointed self. There he is, sitting there with his head between his legs, upset because he isn’t a cool enough Youth Pastor to intrigue the Youth of the Church. Well, let me tell you, he learned to leave that pride in the dust. He learned once again, that it is only by the will of God and the moving of His Spirit that anything was going to get done in the first place. So, he submitted both himself and the Youth to God’s hands, and promised to serve God faithfully – regardless of the number of students at Youth on the following Sunday. (Okay enough of this third-person stuff, it’s getting seriously old). So, I stepped back, and gave all of it up to God in prayer – asking Him to do with the Youth Group What He willed. And, as His will would have it, more families began to attend Resurrection, and as a result more students came to Youth.

My second defining or refining moment was when I stopped trying to be the cool Youth Group leader who ‘couldn’t care less’, and began to realize the depth of both faith and conviction a Grade 7 student can and does have. I came to see that I was about to learn as much about my faith and my Father (if not more) as I was about to teach! As such, I never shied away from the difficult Youth talks on temptation, sin, evangelism, the power prayer, and why we go the Church in the first place. I wanted to be open and honest with the issues that I faced as a High School student, I wanted to express my support in prayer for each student there on a Sunday afternoon. It was amidst leading these discussions that I realized I too was dealing with these issues still today. I was ministering just as much as I was being ministered to. God was using this opportunity to yet again challenge, convict, and refine my heart.

************                 Teleport to Modern Day 2016/06/16         **************

The Worship Teams have too many volunteers.

Youth Group is thriving and the students want more events, more discussions, more time together.

To be honest, it was simple. I continued to practice, put time into the ministry, and was intentional about the things that I said to the Youth. Everything that anyone in my position would do. But, the kicker was that I gave any idea of success up to God. I rid my filthy heart of the selfish desire to look good in the eyes of man. I gave up on being the hip, indie-sounding Worship Pastor/Singer Songwriter who was a distraction to those in the sanctuary because of his soothing voice alone (not to mention his incredible outfit). I quit my lackluster attempts to be the world’s coolest Youth Pastor who was uselessly trying to impress the students while creating a space that ‘cool high-school Zack’ would’ve liked to attend. Instead, I gave it to God, and God gave it all back to me in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined.

So here we are, two months before I head off to Seminary. A decently successful internship at Resurrection Church under my metaphoric belt, and an incredible Church on the verge of tripling in size since last August. This will be something that I never forget, the memories that I’ve made, the community that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of, and the prodding lessons of God that I learned every single moment along the way.

[zackdebruyne]

A New Season..

Well, it has been another incredible month here in Ottawa. Although there have been fewer organized events, a lot has been going on in the life of Resurrection Church! First and foremost, growth. I know that it is incredibly easy to get caught up in the number of people attending a service, whether the number is enormous or dismal, the ‘success’ of a Church is at times measured by the amount of attendants. We at Resurrection have never looked at numbers as the primary measurement, but instead, have looked at the relationships that are growing and budding within our Church community. 

Even though Resurrection is still small, it continues to grow almost weekly. This is great news not only to us on staff at Resurrection, but to everyone who calls the small theatre we meet in home. The reason why this news is so great is that it is confirmation that the efforts we are putting in to love our neighbours, to be present representations of Christ in our City, and to take every little relationship to Christ, is making a difference. In fact, we have grown to the point of bursting. We can no purchase Costco chairs and set them up because there is no more floor space! To be a part of this very evident flourishing has been an eye-opening experience. Resurrection has never done anything flashy, the services don’t try to push the line between church and culture, nor do we have a fog machine pumping while we sing praises to God. In fact, we have done the opposite. Seeking to stay true to liturgical structure, preaching God’s Word, and sticking to the foundations of the Christian faith. 

And to be honest, it isn’t even the traditional approach that is drawing in certain people. The demographics are all over the place. Hair colours vary, it is far from a sea of grey. The reason why I believe we have such growth is really simple - the love of Jesus. Every member seeks to live a life reflective of Christ’s love, and is intentional about doing so. This may not meet street evangelism, or full-time missionary work, but loving those within their immediate experience. That is what has cause us to run out of chairs. The love of Christ, or the ‘aroma’ as Paul says in 2 Corinthians, is what attracts God’s children to His house of worship.

All of that to say that I would like to offer praise up to God for all He is doing. Not only in the church as a whole, but in the hearts of everyone who calls Resurrection home, for the leadership team, for the Pastor Ben, and for the boldness of those who attend to bring friends to church! So thank you all for your prayers, God is working. 

The second thing that I wanted to report back is a new Outreach that we are taking on as a Church called ‘Loads of Love’. It is an initiative which seeks to help the poorer and homeless people living in Ottawa do their laundry. One night a month (to start) we are renting out a Laundromat within our neighbourhood. A week or so back we handed out cards to the local food banks, which allow one load of wash and dry. They were given to those in need, and we will help them wash, dry, and fold laundry - all while we can talk with, encourage, and even pray for those who need it most. This was an idea that was in heart of Resurrection since we first came to visit last May, and is coming to fruition this Summer. 

That won’t be the only thing that will be taking place this Summer either. Our ‘Summer Festivals Team’, of which I am a part, will be in full force. The idea behind this team is that we can participate in the various festivals that take place city wide. We will either have a booth or just go as a group with our fancy shirts to show that we support our city. We believe at Resurrection that it is crucial to be fully active in the community in big ways with Outreach, but also in small ways by encouraging the local festivals. Also, they just provide an awesome chance to meet new people who love Ottawa as much as we do!

Next, the Worship Ministry has continued to grow. It has actually grown too much, and we now have to hold auditions for those who would like to be a part of the Worship. Due to this, I have taken a bit of a step back from leading the worship, to a more Director role. It is quite the step back from my first months where I stood scared and sweaty, leading the church alone on my acoustic. But, God challenged me, and grew in me a passion I never knew I had! All in all, worship has been going incredibly well. We are learning our identity as a Church, and finding out just how important good worship music is! 

Finally, Youth Group too has flourished, but not in numbers. Rather, the hearts of the students have really opened up. One of my favourite moments thus far was with a student by the name of Katie. She has some developmental disabilities, and as such, does not usually actively or outwardly participate (however, you can clearly see that she takes it all in as she listens intently). Anyway, on one Sunday, I asked each student to write down one thing about themselves. One attribute or character that they believe best describes them. Katie, apprehensively wrote her word down, although almost immediately. As each of the students went around telling their word, it arrived on Katie. She looked up, and loudly declared the word “Brave”! This moment has really stuck with me since. She very truly is a brave girl.

Prayer: 

This month, I would ask that you would pray for Resurrection Church. I ask that you would pray that God would provide for us a new building. One that can allow this growing congregation to flourish, rather than hold it back. 

I would ask that you would pray for our Loads of Love launch at the end of this month. Not only that it would run smoothly, but that we would be able to have good conversations with those who do show up, and that it would be an overall success! 

I would ask for prayer too for our Summer Festivals, that we would be great representations of Christ to those we meet, and those who we encourage along the way. 

Finally, I would ask for prayer for both the Worship and Youth Ministries of which I am directly involved. That they would not only grow in numbers, but in depth, expression, and intimacy. That God would move in new ways, not only in my heart and head, but in the Church as a whole. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are so grateful to have all of you praying, and sending us notes to keep us pursuing the cross in all things. If you wanted to get in contact with myself or Malorie, send us an email at zackdebruyne@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you! 

In Christ, 

Zack & Malorie DeBruyne

[zackdebruyne]

Resurrection Church Update: He’s on the Move.

It has been a while since my last update. In part, it was due to the fact that there was not an incredible amount of ‘reportable’ events taking place. Malorie and I have spent the last couple of months really spending time in the community, of both Resurrection Church, and Ottawa as a whole. Investing time and energy into relationships. But, in the last few weeks, I was the head of a couple of outreach events that took place at Resurrection Church, which I am so glad to have been a part of. 

  The first of these was a Celebration of the Arts event, which I titled ‘In All Things’. Yes, it was indeed an echo of my Calvinist theology, and my love and desire to see art - in whatever shape or form, celebrated communally by the Church, and by mankind in general. I gave the event this title because I believe that God has gifted humanity with art, and as a body of believers, these artistic gifts need to be encouraged! Whether or not someone can lead worship, paint a picture, or do an interpretive dance should not restrict them from glorifying God with their artistic abilities. So, I hosted an event open to any, and all of the arts. Songs were not required to be Christian by nature, but to have some personal meaning to the performer. We held the event in a near by concert venue called the House of Common, and it was a huge success. We had photographers, musicians, some spoken word, and even a little dancing. People brought friends, and family, and we filled nearly all of the chairs. The goal, however, was not to put on a talent show, nor to just get as many people as we could. Rather, it was intended to bring the community of the Church together, hanging out, and sharing in a common love and experience - art. We finished with the Doxology, and I really believe that it was a night where God was glorified in so many different ways.

The second event that we put on was, as you can probably tell by all of the boys (and two girls) mesmerized by television screens, a Video Game night. The idea started during one of my meetings with the Pastor, Ben. I believe we were playing a little FIFA after one of our meetings, and I jokingly told him that we should just do this with our church! Needless to say, he took that seriously, and told me to get it started. So that’s what I did! Around 20ish people of all ages came to our video game evening. Quite of few who do not attend Resurrection or any church at all for that matter. It was a night filled with a lot of yelling, laughter, and just an all around sugar-induced good time.

It was as I was cleaning up after the event that I really began to reflect on how incredible the Church is. The fact that we can be glued in front of screens, shooting at each other with alien rifles, and still participating in the body of Christ. It isn’t always the means by which we participate in community that is central to community making. Yes, it’s important to have good events for the structure and success of any church, but it is the people that plan and participate in those events that give them any meaning. If this is true about a video game night, how much more true then is it about a Church! We get caught up so often with the liturgical structure (which I think is beautiful, and important for a church), church membership, which music to play, and other political issues within the Church walls, that we at times forget that it is the body, or the people, that truly are the Church. The walls and the structure are good and well, but without nourishing the hearts, souls, and minds of those attending Church by creating genuine community, we miss the mark. 

Who is to say that God cannot work through a Video Game night in a way just as incredible as through a structurally and theologically sound liturgy on a Sunday morning? 

The other thing that I wanted to give praise for, is once again the growth of both the Church as a whole, and as a result the Worship/Youth Ministries that I have been playing a part of! Ben just recently returned, from what seems to be the weekly Costco run to pick up more chairs. Resurrection continues to grow, at a rate that is hard to keep up with! As a result of this, the worship teams have grown to the point where I have been able to separate musicians into a few teams that play together more regularly. This has been an amazing blessing for me, as it allows me to develop my coaching/directing gifts, as well as my worship leading. God continues to amaze me.

 Prayer: I would ask for prayer as I continue to find ways to solidify a sense of identity for Resurrection’s Worship. Especially as more and more new musicians want to use their gifts on a Sunday morning. Also, that I would continue to grow in my capabilities and gifting in worship leading! We are also looking for a larger space, as we are now running out of floor space for chairs. I would ask that God would open doors, literally and figuratively, in the Hintoburg area that we may be able to rent!

Youth has continued to thrive as well. We meet every other week, during this time, we discuss whatever topic I created an outline for. These topics range from ‘Why Do I Believe?’ to ‘The Importance of Prayer’ to ‘My Identity in Christ’. The conversations, and the times of prayer that we have had, have been so encouraging. Not only to see another generation of believers taking Christ seriously, but to be a part it all! The youth group is now a total of 5-7 students depending on the week - as the church grows, so too does our number of Youth!

Prayer: I would ask for prayer for the students. That they would continue to grow more and more comfortable as we talk about faith, life, and everything in between. That they would be willing to participate openly, and invite their friends! I would also ask that I would have the wisdom and discernment to lead with humility and honesty.

All in all, God has been moving in some pretty incredible ways here in Ottawa. Your prayers and constant support are so central to the work that Malorie and I are involved in here in the city. So, once again, thank you. If you ever want to hear more, or get in contact with us, you can send an email to zackdebruyne@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you. 

In his Grace, 

Zack and Malorie DeBruyne

[zackdebruyne]

Update, Update, Update!

I’ve decided that this week’s post would be a bit more of an insight into the new and exciting things that God is doing here in Ottawa. There is a lot to share, a lot of praising to be done, and a few stories to be told -- let’s get to it! 

First and foremost, Resurrection continues to flourish. In fact, we just bought new chairs to accommodate for the growing numbers of attendants. However, soon enough, there won’t be any spots left on the floor for the chairs. So we are believing and praying that God will provide a larger and more centrally located meeting place for the Church. What an incredible problem to have, especially in a time where declining attendance is becoming a norm in Churches all across North America! 

The beautiful thing about a growing church, is that each week new visitors with all kinds of life experience come to confess, praise, and participate in Communion together. Regardless of where they’ve been, of what they’ve done, or who they feel like they have become - we come together as a family, basking in the Grace of God. An incredible example of this was with a new member who came into Resurrection a few weeks back. Freshly out of jail, and still on probation, this man who I will leave unnamed, came into Resurrection seeking God - earnestly desiring a relationship with Him and with the community of believers that sit in Resurrection on a Sunday morning. His story is not doubt filled with heart break and pain, as are many of us in this world, but he came and praised God for what He has in his heart, and is doing - leaving his past, and coming into God’s future. All in all, each and every person and their individual stories speak of God’s promises and the work of His Spirit. A congregation is book made up of individual life stories, and it is in and through His grace, that God continues writing each individual page that tells the story of His victorious work through hardship and struggle.

The second big praise that we have here in Ottawa is due to the  Bakery/Coffee Shop that I currently work at - Art is In. I have been recently promoted to a Supervisor position, which I am so humbled by. I am humbled because I approached my work at the Bakery as part of my mission here in Ottawa (as I have mentioned in previous posts). I approach each of my relationships with those I work with as opportunities to spread Christ’s love, and I’ve made my faith as evident as possible right from the get-go. I worked prayerfully, being intentional in the things I said, in my attitude, and how I treated everyone I worked with. I was working as if Art is In were my mission - and God blessed that! My manager said that I was promoted because of my constant positive attitude, my intentional and respectful relationships with everyone, the community-like feel that I bring to the shop, and my constant hard work. All of these things I can attribute to my faith, and the aforementioned Christ-like approach to my work. God has really rewarded me, and I am so humbled to see how He has used me, and continues to use me at Art is In. 

Finally, I have recently been awarded the CMLT Grant from Classis Niagara for my tuition toward a Master’s Degree in Divinity at Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids. This grant floored me. The financial stress that it takes away is incredible. Malorie and I are so excited about this next chapter in our lives. However, it does change our plans quite drastically. Rather than Malorie taking 2 years on her Masters in International Affairs, she will and has already begun, accelerating her degree to finish it by August 2016, so that we can move down to Grand Rapids, so that I may begin my MDiv full-time in September of 2016. I have already begun an online course, and am so excited to develop my pastoral and spiritual gifts in this 3 year journey. It does, however, mean that I will be ending my work at Resurrection earlier than expected. But I know that God has a plan, as He always does, and will continue to wholeheartedly pursue all that He has for Malorie and I here in Ottawa for the next 8 months. 

Prayer: 

Church: I would ask that you could pray for Resurrection Church as we look into the financial possibilities of a new location. Moreover for prayer that we may find a space in the Hintonburg area to call our new ‘home’. 

Work: I would ask for prayer as I now have this Supervisor position that I would be humble, that I would approach such a position from Christ-like servanthood as I lead at work. I would ask that conversations about faith would continue to become the norm among my colleagues.  

Personal: For strength as I balance a heavier workload at the bakery, a growing Youth Group and Worship Team, and my first Master’s course at Calvin. That God would give me wisdom, and patience as I begin this 3 year journey to Ordination. 

As always, thank you. Thank you for your prayers, for your support, and for your heart for Malorie and I as we pursue God’s calling on our lives. We would be no where without your prayer and support. 

In Him,

Zack & Malorie DeBruyne

[zackdebruyne]

http://weareyalt.org/millennials-not-really-leaving-faith/#.VqumLGDe6ng

Click the above link to read a recent blog that I wrote for the Young Adult Leadership Taskforce - A collection of Pastors, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and passionate CRC members across North America who come together to create a space for the conversation between young adults, local churches, and our denominations. 

YALT exists to glorify Christ through encouraging and equipping young adults to participate and lead in his church, and encouraging and equipping the church to minister to and with young adults. Please read it over, and give your feedback! 

In Christ, Zack

[zackdebruyne]

Commitment & Christ-like Community

It’s been a while since I last wrote, but a lot is going on to say the least. Malorie and I went home for Christmas, spent some time with family and friends, and got some much needed rest. 

One of the things that I had the humbling opportunity to do was update my home church - Jubilee CRC on what is going on here in Ottawa, and have an offering taken up for my ministry on Sunday morning. There was something incredible and unexpected about the moment that I got up front to share. Let me explain. I’ve been baptized in Jubilee, I’ve spent hours at Cadets, Youth Group, professed my faith, and spent time in the homes of so many of the families after the service for lunch. I’ve grown up in Jubilee, the body of believers is a family to me. This in itself is a beautiful depiction of the family of a church, but there was something more at work on that Sunday morning. Not only had I participated in Jubilee throughout my life, nor did my fellow members only know me as I grew up, but Jubilee and it’s members promised to pray for me, support me, and uphold me since the day of my baptism. It was this promise that I reflected up front on Sunday, and the continual fulfilment of this promise that encourages me as I pursue my faith, my calling, and my passions today. So for those of the congregation of Jubilee, thank you - for your prayers, for your support, and for being the family of God as He intended. 

This experience also did something else in my heart - it gave me a new perspective on the Church and has already impacted the way that I approach working at Resurrection here in Ottawa. As a family of believers, we are called to support our fellow members in love every step of their life. Not only on the day of their baptism, the weeks before their profession of faith, or the first year of their marriage. Instead, we are called to be in prayerful support every day. Just as faith is a daily, life-long pursuit, so too should participation in the Church. However, in our world today people seek out a Church that best fits their personality. We desire a Church with the right demographic, worship music, and preaching style. If our current Church doesn’t, we seek out another in a moments notice. But this doesn’t leave room for the experience that I had, for the intention that God has for the body of believers. To be committed to one another in love. To pray for and hold one another up. To walk with the members of the Church from birth! What a beautiful thing to have such a community around us. 

This is the kind of community that I have seen developing at Resurrection Church. Rather than a bunch of people coming together, and stoically sitting side by side Sunday morning, it truly is a family of believers seeking and desiring the well-being of every member. This is the prayer that I would ask you to pray, that Resurrection would continue to have new members seeking to participate in the life of the Church not just on Sunday mornings, nor only for this month as they Church-shop, but that they would see the love that characterizes this Church and be attracted to Jesus living among us. 

Praises & Prayer Requests 

Worship Ministry: There are now almost 10 people involved and looking to get involved in Worship at Resurrection. This is a pretty big deal! It is a huge blessing for a couple reasons. The first of these is that it will never be just myself and a guitar again. The second is that I now have to take on more of an organizational/music director role. This is something that I believe is a great learning opportunity for me! 

Prayer: I would ask that you would pray for that the worship ministry would continue to grow and find our ‘style’ as it were as a Church. That I would be a good director/organizer, and that I would continue to grow in my worship gifts! 

Youth Ministry: The youth ministry has once again grown - now to about 7 students depending on the week! We are working through a curriculum that I put together titled the “Why Should I?” series. Looking at the basic questions of faith - Why should I attend church? Why should I read my Bible? Why should I have non-Christian friends?

Prayer: That God would continue to work in the hearts of these students, that He would soften and open them to be ready to learn and grow in their faith. I would ask that you would give me a heart of humility as I try to teach and lead as an example for the youth of Resurrection. 

Work: I have just recently been promoted at my job to a Supervisor position! This is a really humbling as part-time work was something I was very concerned about moving and affording living in Ottawa. But, God Has always had a bigger plan that I could have ever imagined. I now have the ability to lead and hopefully have an impact on those I work with. 

Prayer: For a couple of my fellow employees, I have invited to Church to no avail at this point. I ask that you would pray that God would soften their hearts, and that I would continue to be a representation of Christ-like love and leadership in my new position. 

Thank you once again for your support, prayers, and love. God is living and moving in my heart and in my life, and I believe that your prayers and support are a direct result of that. 

[zackdebruyne]

Judah Smith, ‘Life Is _______’: A Review

Judah Smith approaches the basics of the Christian walk with grace and poise. In his 40-day devotional, Judah simply and elegantly elaborates on the most fundamental question that humanity seeks to answer, Christian or non, ‘What are we here for?’ Judah does not approach such daunting questions with highfalutin theology and philosophy, but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By looking at how it is that Christ’s love, is central to the love that we have for others and for our Father in Heaven. This devotional has a very easy to follow structure, a Bible passage accompanies each devotion, alongside one of Smith’s seemingly endless quirky life stories. He is indefinitely a story-teller at heart, and this devotional is seeping with expressive language, colourful stories, and an overall entertaining literary tone. Overall, this devotional is great due to it’s simplicity. Just as Christ’s Gospel, it can be taken to be cut and dry - beautiful good news. However, I believe that this work also has a lot of depth - should one choose to delve into it. It is a great devotional to start your day off with, easy to read, insightful, and points it’s readers to the cross with a smile on their face. What more could one need?

[zackdebruyne]

He’s Moving in Ottawa.

It has been a few weeks since my last update. Due to the fact that my latest post was not a point by point summary of what has been happening here in Ottawa, and at Resurrection Church. So I will update you on the incredible ways that God is in fact moving. 

This past week, I met with the Pastor Ben as we always do. As we sat and talked about how we felt the services were going, how worship was progressing, and how I feel that I am growing in my ministerial capabilities, he shared with me a number. 40. 

This was the number of people, since September, who have attended Resurrection more than just in passing, and have spoken to Ben or myself and shown interest in not only attending our Church, but participating in the body of Christ. Whether on Worship Team, in setting up every morning, ushering, or even folding bulletins in the morning. 

When I heard this number, I was not surprised - the Theatre that we have been congregating in is seemingly full to bursting with each new Sunday morning. Instead, what I felt was the humbling presence of God. 

Let me be honest here, I do not feel that Resurrection as a Church is doing anything flashy, attractive, or impressive so as to bring the people of Ottawa into Church on a Sunday morning. As a Church, we love liturgical structure, we are passionate about what it means to come together as a true, Christ-loving community, and to bring our pains and joys before His cross. This number was so humbling for just this reason - as a Church we aren’t pushing the fact that we are present in the neighbourhood. Instead, we are intentionally and graciously loving our neighbours, loving one another, and passionately loving Jesus. 

And let me tell you, people are drawn to this. They are drawn to the presence of Christ in community, they are drawn to people who are intentional about their relationships. We are, as 1 Corinthians 2:15 puts it, “...A fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” Thus, it is not based on the fact that we have a killer rock band up front every Sunday, nor is it because everyone in our congregation is under 25, has no children, wears torn jeans, and sips on their Starbucks egg nog latte every Sunday. It is because as a Church, we are pursuing Jesus. As a result of this pursuit, the fragrance of Christ is upon us, and people are drawn - not to us, but to Him. They want to know how they can be a part of such a loving community, and this is a beautiful thing to a contributing part of.

Now, with my preaching out of the way, I can summarize what God has been doing aside from attracting people to our services! 

Youth Group: We have now established a bi-weekly Youth Group. Each time we meet has been more engaging than the last, and as a result more encouraging for myself. Although there is a tangible age gap between the students, I truly believe that regardless of age, I can learn from each and every one of them. I believe that as Sons and Daughters of Christ, they can teach me just as much as I ‘think’ I can teach them. 

Prayer: I would ask that you would continue to work on and open the Youth’s hearts. That God would bring more families to Resurrection, and that it would be a place where they can be comfortable opening up to me as both a leader, and friend.

Worship Ministry: God has really been on the move in Resurrection’s Worship Ministry. Considering the fact that when I started, it was essentially myself and my trusted Guitar. Now, I have a list of roughly 8 others who are interested in being a part of a worship team - singing, playing guitar, piano, and even the cajon. God is providing! Moreover, I just recently finished a book assigned to me by the Pastor about Liturgy and it’s importance in the Church. Using this book, I wrote up a ‘Vision Document’ regarding Resurrection’s perspective on liturgy and why our services are liturgically structured.

Prayer: I would ask for prayer that I would be able to manage and direct these new teams well. As organization has not always been my strong suit! I would also ask that you would join me in prayer as Resurrection continues to grow, that even more would show interest in being involved in Worship!

Outreach: This past Saturday, we rented a park stage right in the centre of Hintonburg. We set up some portable speakers and mics, and sang Christmas tunes. The key was that I played the ukulele and sang alongside Ashley. It was decently nerve-racking, seeing as I learned how to play the uke that week. However, I think it went really well. The stage was right next to a local park, and a parking-lot chalked full of Christmas trees that locals were strapping on to the top of their cars. 

Prayer: I would ask that you can pray for more opportunities for us as a Church to engage the community directly. That people would rise up within the congregation with a fresh passion and creative ideas on how to reach out to the people of Ottawa. 

Work: I have really been enjoying my work at the Bakery/Restaurant as of late. The reason for this is that I have finally had time to make some relationships! I continue to press into those who have become a bit hardened toward me in discovering that I am a Christian who works in a Church. Contrary to that, my manager took me aside and said the following last week: 

“I don’t agree with the whole Christianity thing that you have going on. But, I just wanted to say that when I am around you, and when you work in a team, I feel a true sense of community. You bring people together, and I can see that it is something outside of just who you are.” 

To me, this was incredibly encouraging. It is difficult sometimes to continually try to uphold your beliefs when you feel that your publicly on display and under the microscope by many of your fellow employees. But, as always, God is faithful and continues to use me, even when I’m bussing tables. What a God we have.

Prayer: I would ask that I would continue to make deeper relationships with those I work alongside. That I would have opportunities to love and support those who need Christ, and that I would be unwavering in my faith as I attempt to bear His name well in the workplace. 

Again, thank you so much for reading this post, for praying alongside Malorie and I, and for your unrelenting support. We are so grateful for the support and the love of all of you, and are incredibly humbled by the community that encourages us daily. 

In His Name,                                                 Zack & Malorie DeBruyne